Heyward-Bey not worried about Crabtree

The fastest receiver in the NFL Draft got a six-week head start but could still be caught from behind today.

The careers of the Raiders' Darrius Heyward-Bey and the 49ers' Michael Crabtree are intertwined by geographical proximity as well as their status as the top two receivers selected April 25.

Heyward-Bey, who went at No. 7 to the Raiders, has started six games and has two receptions for 36 yards. Sixteen rookie receivers have more catches.

Crabtree, taken three spots later at No. 10, makes his debut today when the 49ers visit Houston and might start even though he didn't sign until Oct. 7, in part because of a contract Heyward-Bey signed that earned him a guaranteed $23.5 million.

It is conceivable that by the time the Raiders kick off at the Coliseum against the New York Jets at 1:05 p.m., Crabtree could have more receptions than Heyward-Bey for the season.

“You know what? I hadn't really thought about it,” Raiders coach Tom Cable said. “It wouldn't even be a concern of ours. We just need to worry about what we're doing and what Darrius needs to do to get better.”

Heyward-Bey understands that Crabtree comparisons will be coming with greater frequency than passes thrown his way by quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

“I'm aware of it, but I don't care about it,” Heyward-Bey said. “I need to worry about what the Raiders are doing, how we're going to win the division, how we're going to go to the playoffs. I can't worry if I'm compared to someone else. If I worry about that, I'm not worried about the right things.”

Cable said Heyward-Bey is still developing as a total football player, and although it's a little like crediting Ryan Howard with advancing a runner to third with a ground ball to the right side, the rookie has had some impact as a downfield blocker.

“(Justin) Fargas ran about a 14-yard play to our right into their boundary and Darrius flat-backs the corner right on their bench,” Cable said. “Good hands inside, good feet, good finish . . . just like you'd coach it.”

The same cannot be said for Heyward-Bey's hands as a receiver. He dropped the one pass thrown to him against the Eagles and never had another opportunity the rest of the game.

Around the league

•Washington Redskins defensive tackle
Albert Haynesworth
is questionable for tomorrow night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles with a sprained ankle.

•Buffalo Bills tight end
Shawn Nelson
will not play against the Carolina Panthers. Nelson suffered a concussion in last week's 16-13 overtime win over the New York Jets.